Fall Foliage “Closed”

It’s still terribly dry and, in case you weren’t aware we have one, October 15 through November 30 is Virginia’s fall fire season. Outdoor burning is not restricted so far in our area but there are several places in the state where burning is not allowed right now.

The 4 p.m. burn law is not in effect during the fall, only February 15 through April 30. This is because during those months the winds are elevated, the relative humidity is low, and the fuel or debris on the forest floor has dried out.

The Virginia Department of Forestry reminds us that debris burning is the #1 cause of wildfires followed by intentionally set arson fires. Our state experiences more than 1,200 wildfires that burn more than 10,000 acres of land each year. While that is bad enough, we are very fortunate compared to other areas of the country. Taking even the simplest precautions will significantly reduce the occurrence of wildfires and the threat to homes and residents. Hats off to Smoky.

Rose had not as yet planned a trek into the mountains to view the fall colors, and it’s just as well since the government decided we don’t need to have a little getaway to see a little bit of God’s best work. However, if you just want to ride and ride and ride, the Blue Ridge Parkway is still open to vehicular traffic. You won’t be able to visit Mabry Mill, Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant, the Blue Ridge Music Center, or go camping. Eat before you go or take a picnic lunch to eat on the side of the road. Overlooks will still be available at least, and of course, travelers can always venture into nearby towns like Bedford or Buchanan to eat and shop. Apples are apples and pretty leaves are abundant on the side roads, too.

The Peaks of Otter Lodge having to close is one of the saddest things. A new manager just took over there in August, employing 72 people who have been told already to stay home. Mabry Mill has 44 full-time and part-time employees who will be sent home.

And you know what? You can multiply these two examples by hundreds and realize the effect our government’s actions (or lack thereof) are having on the country’s economy. Well, you know all that already and the editor of this paper will take care of all the editorializing.

Okay, so you can’t drive lickety-split up the parkway and have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the valley. But you can visit some equally beautiful spots close to home. Within the next two weeks, leaves will reach their color peak around creeks and ponds and lakes. One of the prettiest scenes you can find in the fall is that of the brilliant reds and oranges and yellows of the leaves reflected in calm waters.

Or, get out your Rand McNally road atlas (you still have one of those, right?) and plan a trip to a couple of waterfalls; that’s something you don’t see every day. Falls or rapids in the James River in Richmond, Great Falls on the Potomac, Bull Falls on the Shenandoah near Harpers Ferry and up near Radford where you find the New River and McCoy Falls all offer spots for a different sort of fall excursion. Falls of the Little River in Floyd County or Dismal Falls in Giles County are beautiful destinations, depending how far you want to wander from home. And, by golly, there are lots of mom-and-pop restaurants open and cooking for the autumn sightseer.

And just one more note: Rose Allie wants everyone to know that she is sorry about the orphan watermelon being stolen. She did not do it.